LIVE UPDATES
Martin Griffiths, the UN relief chief, expressed solidarity with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) on Wednesday, amidst the organization's funding crisis triggered by allegations of involvement in the Oct. 7 cross-border attack on Israel by some of its employees in the Gaza Strip.
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting addressing the Middle East situation, including the Palestinian question, Griffiths emphasized the vital role played by UNRWA in distribution, warehousing, logistics, and human resources amid the ongoing crisis. With 3,000 staff members responding to the current situation, Griffiths urged the reversal of decisions to withhold funds from UNRWA.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, Griffiths highlighted that the agency has taken swift action, including launching an investigation into the matter. UNRWA announced the termination of contracts with several employees following Israel's accusations against its staff.
The funding crisis has been exacerbated by the suspension of contributions from several key donors including the US, UK, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Australia, the Netherlands, Canada, Switzerland, Finland, and Japan. These countries have halted financial support for UNRWA, which has been operational since 1949, providing essential assistance to Palestinian refugees across the Middle East.
Griffiths emphasized the critical nature of UNRWA's services, particularly in Gaza, where it supports over three-quarters of the population. He stressed that the alleged actions of a few individuals should not jeopardize the lifesaving aid provided by the agency to vulnerable communities.
The UN relief chief's remarks underscore the complex dynamics surrounding humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected regions and the importance of upholding the principles of accountability and transparency in humanitarian operations.
